The Legal 500 2023 edition was released this week with some excellent rankings and testimonials for the teams and individuals at Greene & Greene. ‘Greene & Greene are like a breath of fresh air in the world of law firms, and I have dealt with several over the years. From first contact all staff are on the button and extremely personable. They handle clients with sensitivity and professionalism.’
The firm stands strong and steady, holding onto four Top Tier practice areas. We are also recommended in a further seven practice areas, have 11 leading individuals, two next generation partners and five rising stars. In total, 25 of our lawyers are mentioned by name for their standout contribution to respective practices.
Corporate services:
Our Tier 1 ranked corporate lawyers are known for their ‘technical, legal and sector knowledge, and fantastic and responsive client service ‘. They regularly act for clients throughout the UK and internationally. Lead partner Simon Ratcliffe is noted for being ‘..extremely helpful and his team are very knowledgeable and capable. They are always quick to respond which is not typical of most of the solicitors we work with.’ Andrew Cooper, who frequently advises in international M&A transactions, is ‘always available and a pleasure to work with ‘. Key lawyer Mark Daly has developed a niche in advising shareholders of high-growth VC-backed science and technology companies throughout East Anglia. Mark Whittaker ‘.. provides pragmatic advice. Clear and focused and delivered with a calm and clear view. Nothing impacts Mark’s measured and considered view. Mark gets the job done with pragmatism & impact. Top class lawyer.’
The Commercial Litigation team continue to go from strength to strength – ‘unsurpassed in East Anglia, offering a service akin to a City practice in Suffolk’. Rob Adam, lead partner, frequently handles High Court claims and multimillion-pound partnership disputes, ‘should be working at a Magic Circle firm and his clients are lucky to have him in East Anglia at those rates ‘.
The Commercial Property team provides ‘clear, concise and prompt advice’ and clients remark that the firm is ‘very efficient, friendly and willing to help in whatever way possible‘. Department head Tim Mendes da Costa‘s work includes acting for a FTSE-listed company in its purchase of a prime development site for its new HQ at Suffolk Business Park. The ‘thorough, conscientious and practical‘ Hugo Greer-Walker handles both transaction work and landlord/tenant matters. Sally Whatley-Brown and Julia Cardy are also mentioned for their excellent contributions to the team.
Rob Adam and Michael Batty’s property litigation practice is ‘always on hand to help whenever you need advice‘. Michael is described as an ‘‘extremely able and a safe pair of hands‘.
The Construction rankings see Sarah Western move to ‘next generation partner’. Sarah leads the construction practice and ‘goes above and beyond to ensure total client satisfaction ‘. Litigation partners Rob Adam and Michael Batty and residential and commercial development specialist Hugo Greer-Walker, who is ‘very efficient, friendly and highly knowledgeable‘ are also noted for their key roles.
The Employment team are described as a team who ‘provide very clear advice and do it efficiently. Providing a level of service that you would expect from a top London firm.’ Head of department Selene Holden, ‘puts the client’s needs first and focusses firmly on getting the best result for them ‘. Partner Greg Jones ‘is very easy to get hold of, always calls back, manages his time extremely well letting me know what to expect and by when.’ Rising star Angharad Ellis Owen is ‘extremely personable and effective at putting the client at ease‘.
Individual services:
The firm’s Top Tier Private Client practice, which assists clients across East Anglia, London and nationwide, is led by Wayne Perrin. The team is known for it’s ‘exemplary collaboration enabling the client to feel empowered and the situation fully under control.’
Rising stars Nigel Scase and Martine Swaep frequently advise on Administration of Estates including accounts and inheritance tax returns, trust administration, Will drafting and Court of Protection matters. Jonathan Mathers and Zoe Hodge are also recommended ‘Zoe Hodge and the team are professional, discreet, and responsive. Zoe’s experience and knowledge mean that she has been able to support our family throughout very challenging times and has handled our probate with kindness and sensitivity.’
The Tier 1 ranked Contentious Trust and Probate team have been described as ‘like a breath of fresh air in the world of law firms and they handle clients with sensitivity and professionalism ‘. Michael Batty, Rob Adam and Martine Swaep are all noted as key lawyers with clients commenting: ‘Rob Adam has been outstanding in his approach to the many issues that were involved in connection with a contentious probate. Martine Swaep is approachable, professional and has excelled in all matters connected to the probate of the estate of my late husband.’
Our Family law practice is highly regarded both locally and regionally and handles matrimonial matters well beyond the bounds of East Anglia. Head of department, Stuart Hughes is described as ‘a perfect mix of practical, down to earth, sharp on the law, no nonsense and firm in negotiations ‘. Fellow partner, Melanie Pilmer is ‘very thorough and always a pleasure to work with’. The whole team are described as having a ‘very professional approach, not swayed by personal opinion and was frank about what I should expect from each step of the process… Great attention to detail. Clearly very experienced and knowledgeable in their field.’ Rising star, Emma Alfieri, ‘is well organised and proactive, and she is well liked by her clients.’
For a full list of rankings and client testimonials, please visit Greene & Greene’s Legal 500 profile.
